Bootie-licious

I always seem to bring up shoes. I love shoes. They can complete an outfit, create an ending to your fashion story and, depending on the style, provide killer confidence. But when the time comes to adjust your wardrobe in accordance with with the season, it can be difficult to find the right shoe to make the transition — especially when you consider how severe the shift can be in Milwaukee. We all want something that’s practical, that can stand up to a cold-weather beating without sacrificing fashion.

Luckily, there is one go-to fall/winter shoe that is both functional and fashionable, and in comes in a variety of styles that will look good on everyone.

Ladies, I’m talking about the boot.

By definition, it’s a covering that is fitted to the foot, usually made of rubber or leather that typically reaches above the ankle. Boots are the quintessential functional footwear, but I’m not talking about your average lace-up, salt-caked, flannel-lined, made-for-a-Midwest-winter type of boot. I’m talking about the chocolate brown, up-to-my-thigh, I-just-got-these-on-sale type of boot that puts a flutter in your heart and a bounce in your step.

There are so many types: knee-high, ankle, bootie, mid-calf, thigh-high — and even more ways to wear them.  Let’s explore the good, the bad and the (very) ugly use and abuse of the classic boot.

Thigh-highs

Wow, could Kate Hudson look any cuter in these?

Her simple outfit allows for her legs and feet to be the main attraction. It’s important to always remember when piecing together an outfit that only one article gets to be the star of the show. In this case, it’s the boots, and they definitely make a statement.

On the flip side, the thigh-high boot can quickly go from classy to trashy. To the right is a classic example of the latter.  I don’t care how old you are, what your profession is, or whether you’re about to get on a motorcycle; leather thigh high boots paired with more skin-tight leather or short anything is bad news. A boot that reaches to your thigh is sexy enough on its own — like the old adage says “all good things in moderation.”  Period.

Ankle Cut

Another fun version of the classic boot is the ankle-cut boot. I personally love the ankle cut paired with skinny-jeans (just like our friend Michelle Trachtenberg, pictured to the left).

The one problem with women who chose the ankle bootie is when they don’t show it off! Don’t wear boot cut, flair or wide-leg pants with these shoes, you won’t be able to see the cut. Pair them with leggings, jeggings or skinnies as better alternatives.

Though these tend to draw attention to the width of your legs, booties with a higher heel can show off strong muscles and elongate the leg.

Knee-high

Last but not least, let’s talk about the classic knee-high boot. Miley Cyrus has the right idea when it comes to wearing these shoes in style. Almost always, pants should go inside the leg of the boot to show it off. Again, leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans will probably be your best option when it comes to tucking in fabric.

Here, Miley is really rocking the bohemian look, and the boots are what’s pulling it all together.  To create a more polished look, try pairing boots like these with dark skinny jeans and a flowing top. Either way, anyone wearing boots fashionable will stop traffic!

I’m excited for the temperature to drop so we can start to see more of our friend the boot. In good times and in bad, it will be there to protect our feet from the harsh elements as well as create the perfect finishing touch to the perfect fall outfit.

*Cover photo by Lauren Nelson via Flickr.